BA Components crowned its milestone year in business with a glittering celebration and awards evening in November, with over 300 staff, suppliers, customers, family and guests attending a black tie gala awards night at the Glenavon House Hotel in Cookstown.
The statistics were impressive; 332 attendees, a six-piece band, 1000 plates of food, 11 awards and six block-booked hotels making it an unforgettable evening. BA Cookstown staff were joined by colleagues from the Doncaster factory, suppliers from as far away as Japan and customers from over 23 countries serviced by BA. The evening followed earlier guided tours of the Cookstown factory, led by business owners Brian and Kieran McCracken; and was filled with some reminiscing on times past, inspiration for the future, and plenty of laughs in between.
Steve Thornley from Thornleys, and winner of both the Best Kitchen Under £15k and Overall award said: “The factory tour this morning was brilliant. We were given a great insight into the company and the creation of the products we purchase. Being led through the factory by Brian and Kieran themselves was an honour; being able to absorb their knowledge and experience first-hand.”
Following the afternoon’s busy tour schedule, comedian William Caulfield entertained (and sometimes shocked!) guests as he navigated through the black tie dinner and awards presentations with his witty humour, while BA Components’ sales and marketing director, David Caulfield, co-hosted to oversee every detail of the spectacular night.
Sponsors and winners made their way to stage to the accompaniment of live music from The Liberals throughout the evening and to round everything off, a humorous and entertaining tribute leading to a standing ovation was paid to the twin brothers who have taken the business forward for the past 25 years, Brian and Kieran McCracken.
The inaugural BA Awards awards winners were as follows:
Best Bathroom: Wittering West Ltd Best Bedroom: Drawers N Doors Best Dealer Use of Social Media: J Sheppard & Sons Most Innovative Use of a BA Product: Glenlith Interiors (Scotland) Ltd Best Makeover/Replacement Project: Upgrade Your Kitchen Ltd Best Kitchen Under £15k: Thornleys Best Kitchen Over £15k: David Head Furniture Best Dealer Showroom: Carana Kitchens / Buy Buy Kitchens Supplier of the Year: Hettich Overall Award: Thornleys BAmbassador: Troy Tappenden, Dream DoorsTim Leedham, managing director of Hettich UK said, “I cannot believe the level of detail BA have gone to for this event; well actually, I can. The quality of the night reflects their attitude to business – striving for the best they can possibly produce. We have had an incredible time tonight – BA has set the bar high. I can’t imagine I’ll ever be at an event of this quality again any time soon.”
Brian and Kieran said: “Tonight has been incredible. We are blown away by the level of detail David and his army of helpers have gone to in order to deliver this event. We can’t thank him and all who attended enough for the most memorable and glamorous night BA has had to date. (jokingly) We’re looking forward to seeing how the 50 year anniversary celebration will top it!”
David Caulfield said: “This has truly been a night to remember. A night when customers, staff, suppliers, friends and family all came together for one great party and celebration. All the hard work, stress and sleepless nights have been worthwhile just to see the pleasure and enjoyment everyone experienced tonight.”
If people were unable to attend on the night, or catch a glimpse of the live stream, fear not, the evening was also recorded and will soon be made available to watch. BA would also love to see guests’ photographs from the night, so send them in to [email protected], or share them on our social media!
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